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TRIAL HIKES
- East Fork Trail. Head east along East Fork Road. In about 5 miles, the paved road ends and a dirt
road begins. Travel about 1/2 mile along the dirt road, to an intersecting road on the right, just
after the Forest Service's rental cabin. It is well signed as the road to East Fork Trail. In about 1
mile, reach the trailhead and park in the designated parking areas. Register at the box for
Anaconda-Pintler wilderness entry. (There is no fee, but it is very important to register, not only so
your whereabouts in the wilderness can be tracked, but also for demonstrating the use of the forest
for budgetary purposes.) Hike in. The first mile travels through beautiful dense woods. Soon, the
woods give way to a stunning, long, meandering path along a serpentine stretch of the East Fork of
the Bitterroot River. Here both the river and the trail continue for almost four miles through flat,
open woods. There are turns and bays and coves, rendering this portion of the river very enticing
for fishing. The trail continues, eventually rising, past the magnificent Star Falls waterfall at about
6 miles, and, for the adventuresome, another three miles to the Continental Divide trail. This is an
unparalleled trail for the variety of topography and natural beauty.
McCort Trail. Head east along East Fork Road. In about 5 miles, the paved road ends and a dirt
road begins. Travel about 1/4 mile on the dirt road to the intersection with McCort Road on the
right, and turn onto it, toward "Johnson Peak." Wind up the road for five miles to the end. This is
the marked trailhead, parking is available off to the side. Hike through the woods, past the
Anaconda-Pintler wilderness sign, about 1 1/2 miles to a "T" intersection. At times this
intersection has been marked, but it is the only one of its type, in the event it is not marked. Turn
right. The old McCort Fire Tower comes into view shortly thereafter. Climb up and take a look
inside at the old furnishings. The Forest Service rents this fire tower out for nighttime occupation.
Turning left at the "T" intersection leads to a beautiful meadow. From there, the trail continues for
many miles into the wilderness.
- Swift Creek Trail. Head east along East Fork Road, 2 1/2 miles, turn right onto Meadow Creek
Road. In 1 1/2 miles, turn left onto Swift-Echo Road, also signed as FS 5764. Park at the point of the
switchback in about 1/2 miles and register at the box to enter the Anaconda-Pintler wilderness. This
trail continues for about two miles along the aptly named Swift Creek. It is a heavily forested trail,
always cool, even during hot summer days, and full of delightful piney fragrances.
Moose Creek Trail. Head east along East Fork Road. In about 5 miles, the paved road ends, and a
dirt road begins. Continue straight on the dirt road for about 4 miles, to its end, and park along the
cul-de-sac. The Moose Creek trailhead is well signed. The trail leads first through lush forest,
replete with wild blueberry bushes with abundant fruit in August. In about a mile, the trail crosses
the river; this is a difficult crossing when the water is high. On the other side of the river, the trail
follows interesting rock formations and rises, eventually connecting with trails in the Beaverhead-
Deerlodge National Forest, to the east.
Chain-of-Lakes Trail. Head east along East Fork Road. In about 5 miles, the paved road ends, and a
dirt road begins. Continue straight on the dirt road for about 1 mile, turn left at the intersection
marked "Martin Creek Campground." Continue winding up that road until it ends, in about 4 miles.
This is the Chain-of-Lakes trailhead, and it is well marked. All terrain vehicles are allowed on this
trail, so pedestrians may encounter them. Save this trail for an all-day hike, for its rewards are for
those ambitious enough to ascend the trail, nearly steadily, for six miles. At that point, there is a
juncture where those traveling in ATVs must leave their vehicles, for the remainder of the trail is
footpath only. The first lake encountered is in another 1/2 mile, and it is Fish Lake. Fish Lake is a
lovely, almost round, small lake that is about 500 feet below trail level. Consider sitting above the
lake for awhile, watching for eagles. The next lake encountered is Faith Lake, a bigger lake a bit off
through a verdant trail to the right. Faith Lake is a much larger, clear lake, suitable for a quick dip.
(The water is very cold, any time of year.) Hope and Charity Lakes lie just beyond.